Zion’s Top 5

This is Southern Utah. And in Southern Utah there are a lot of things that you can do. You can hike, raft, climb, go horseback riding, whatever you want to do. But the best part of coming to Southern Utah is the chance to check out the national parks. Chief among them is Zion. Here are the top 5 things to do in Zion National Park

Number 5: Take a tour of Zion Canyon. The main bus terminal is located at the visitor center, so take a look inside while you wait. The bus tour allows access to the most popular hikes in the park, including Angel’s Landing (see below.) However, the views of the cliffs on both sides, make this tour an attraction all on it’s own.

Number 4: The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway offers a quick overview of some of Zion’s best features. The legendary one-mile tunnel opens to reveal the grandeur of Checkerboard Mesa. This scenic route never fails to impress. If you have kids with you, they are guaranteed to love this tunnel. In fact, they may insist that you drive the tunnel, “…just one more time!”

Number 3: The Narrows is one of Zion’s most popular hikes – and for good reason. The Virgin River has cut through hundreds of feet of rock to create this remarkable slot canyon. Hiking in the Narrows may require wading or even swimming. The chance to gaze upward, past hundreds of feet of cliff, only to see a small streak of sky is not to be missed.

Number 2: Kolob Canyon is the unsung gem of Zion National Park. It cannot be reached via the main park entrance, but must be accessed by taking I–15 north for several miles. The canyon is complete with arches, bridges, and waterfalls. You can tour by car or (preferably) by foot. Adventurers might consider hiking cross-country to Kolob Arch. The trek is both exhausting and exhilarating.

Number 1: The very best of the very best, Angel’s Landing offers the greatest overlook anywhere in Zion National Park. Almost everyone agrees on this. Angel’s Landing can be reached only after a strenuous hike along the West Rim Trail. The view from the top is quite simply, the best.